da Vinci COLINEO series 442 watercolour wash brush, synthetic

da Vinci COLINEO series 442 – wash brush with synthetic Kolinsky fibre

The COLINEO wash brush series 442 from da Vinci is a round watercolour brush for laying washes and working with fluid paints. The fibre is a synthetic substitute for Kolinsky red sable hair. It combines straight and wavy fibres which, according to da Vinci, give high elasticity, a precise point and strong paint pick-up. As the brush is animal-free, it is vegan and an alternative to red sable brushes.

It is available in sizes 0, 2 and 4. Choose your size from the options. It is used for watercolour and gouache painting, as well as for fluid acrylic paints and calligraphy.

Working with the wash brush

For a wash, first dampen the paper with clean water. Then load the brush well with paint and water and draw the colour across the surface in even strokes. The fibres hold plenty of liquid, so colour transitions blend softly into one another. The fine point also lets you add smaller accents without changing brushes. After painting, do not leave the brush standing in the water jar with the fibres facing down, so that the point does not bend. Rinse it out and lay it down to dry.

Which size to choose

Sizes 0, 2 and 4 differ in the belly of the brush: the higher the number, the more paint and water the brush holds. For larger areas and wide gradients, choose the higher number; for smaller motifs and finer areas, a lower one. The best size also depends on your format.

da Vinci COLINEO series 442 product details

• Manufacturer: da Vinci, series 442 COLINEO
• Shape: round brush
• Fibre: Kolinsky Sable Synthetic Fibre, straight and wavy synthetic fibres
• Ferrule: plastic quill
• Handle: short, made of water-resistant Hi-tech Multicolor laminated wood
• Sizes: 0, 2 and 4
• Vegan, made in Germany

You will also need: water, watercolour or gouache paints and suitable painting paper